Millions of people in the United States have received dental implants from an implant dentist. This option is fast becoming the preferred replacement for lost teeth, ahead of traditional dental bridges and dentures. If you are considering a visit to the implant dentist, it might help to learn about the procedures they can perform so you can prepare accordingly.
The dental implant procedure involves replacing lost tooth roots with metal implants. These implants are like screws and imitate the root's function to support a dental restoration, like a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The major advantage of choosing an implant is that they look, function, and feel like natural teeth. The procedures completed by the implant dentist during implant placement depend on the patient's needs.
If the damaged or infected tooth is still present, the dentist will extract it before implant placement. If the patient can handle it, the process can be done on the day of implant placement. The dentist will typically administer a local anesthetic during the procedure to stop the patient from feeling any pain. This process does not take long, unless the tooth is fractured. The dentist will provide aftercare instructions so the tooth's socket can heal properly.
Due to the amount of pressure that the jaw handles during chewing, it has to be strong to protect the implant. If patients have adequate jawbone thickness and health, there may be no need for bone grafting. However, if there has been bone loss, the implant dentist can augment the bone for implants by performing a graft. The bone for the grafting comes from another part of the jawbone or external sources. There is a healing process before the implant can be added.
This process is simply the insertion of implants into the jawbone. The dentist will create an incision over the gums to access the jawbone. After placing the implants, the jawbone will integrate with the metal post until it becomes part of the oral cavity. The healing process can last between three to six months.
When the implant is stable, an abutment will be fitted over the implant's head. This piece holds the implant to the final dental restoration. This process is hardly painful, but local anesthesia may be used regardless. Afterward, the dentist will have the artificial tooth created. Patients are often able to choose between fixed or removable restorations. Regardless of the choice, the dentist will ensure that the result looks natural.
Choosing to replace missing teeth with dental implants is a major decision. They often cost more than traditional options, but the success rate is higher and they are highly durable. When bone grafting needs to be done, the treatment timeline extends by a few months for healing. The final tooth will not be placed until the jaw heals completely, but the dentist may provide temporary options in the meantime.
If you have questions, you should visit the implant dentist for answers. Before proceeding with treatment, you must understand everything involved so you can prepare adequately.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Miami, FL.
Think you might need a dental filling? Read on to learn more about this treatment. Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health conditions. When untreated, it can result in serious dental problems including tooth loss. Dental fillings restore the structure and function of the affected teeth. Knowing the importance of dental fillings…
Minor to moderate teeth stains can be removed with professional teeth whitening. However, to achieve ideal results, there are certain things to avoid after treatment, such as foods and drinks that can cause stains. The following overview discusses five things you should avoid to keep your smile bright after teeth whitening treatment.You can reduce the…
Teeth whitening treatments work wonders when it comes to improving the way your teeth look. These treatments typically involve using compounds like hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide to improve the way teeth look. The compounds have bleaching properties and can penetrate past enamel into the inner layers of teeth for a thorough whitening effect. With…
Teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening agent to brighten your smile. Before the procedure, there are some things you can do to help you properly prepare for treatment. This review discusses how you can prepare before a teeth whitening treatment to ensure the safest and most effective results.Every patient will have a unique…
Think you might need a dental filling? Read on to learn more about this treatment. Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health conditions. When untreated, it can result in serious dental problems including tooth loss. Dental fillings restore the structure and function of the affected teeth. Knowing the importance of dental fillings…
Minor to moderate teeth stains can be removed with professional teeth whitening. However, to achieve ideal results, there are certain things to avoid after treatment, such as foods and drinks that can cause stains. The following overview discusses five things you should avoid to keep your smile bright after teeth whitening treatment.You can reduce the…